Kmart nears end of 48-year Anderson run

Stephanie Rogers of Anderson hugs her daughter Anna Leigh as her son Gavin looks at Bryant Starnes after shopping at Kmart on Wednesday in Anderson. The Rogers' found a few sports-related items while Starnes was picking up vending machines for Pepsi in Cherryville, N.C.(Photo: Ken Ruinard/Independent Mail)

Bargains were the main draw Wednesday as a shoppers found their way to Kmart's shrinking collection of merchandise on Clemson Boulevard.

Nostalgia was a close second.

"At this time of year, I used to get plants they'd put on shelves right along here," said Linda Stone of Anderson, pointing to an empty sidewalk in front of the main entrance. "I hate it. I remember thart store (in Anderson) and used to spend a lot of time there."

Even in recent years, she preferred the convenient parking and entryway of the store at 3801 Clemson Blvd., the retailer's home since 1995. She also remembered when he father would "chase the blue-light specials" at the North Main Street location, which opened amid much fanfare in 1969.

In January, the Kmart Corp. announced plans to close the Anderson store and 107 others. The end will come at an undetermined time Sunday, depending on the merchandise remaining. The store is scheduled to open for the last time at 10 a.m. that day, officials said Wednesday.

Several exterior signs reminded visitors of the impending closure Wednesday, and the appearance of the interior of the large store offered a shock to those who remembered its heyday. Instead of long isles that steered shoppers to overstocked gondolas, only a few shelves of marked-down items remain. Even the shelves are for sale.

"I was very surprised at how little is left," said Jane Irvine of Williamston. "I wanted to see what was here, and maybe do a little bargain hunting, but I think I waited too long."

About 35 cars were parked in front of the store at lunchtime Wednesday, six of them wearing Georgia license plates. One of the latter belonged to Cheryl Hayes of Hartwell, Georgia, who typically shops in Anderson. She and her daughter found a baby stroller on sale Wednesday, and Hayes hinted at a possible return this weekend.

Mary Hatten of Anderson seemed certain that Wednesday's visit would be her last at the store, which was Anderson's first big-box discount store when it opened 48 years ago.

"I've been shopping here and at the Main Street store as long as I can remember," she said. "This is sad to me because Kmart is a part of Anderson history.

She also said, "I used to live in the country, in Antreville, and any time we came to Anderson, we'd go to Kmart. I have a lot of Kmart memories. But I live on the other side of town, so I chances are slim that I'll be back."

Jim Pittman was among the few shoppers who left the store empty-handed Wednesday.

"I had hoped to pick up some fishing gear on sale, but somebody beat me to it," he said.

Younger shoppers, such asTierra Sloan of Anderson, were less nostalgic and more practical.

"I liked Kmart while it was here," she said while putting a child into a car seat, "but I'd rather have a Burlington store."

That reference was aimed at a sign about 70 yards away, near Chili's Grill and Bar, which heralded the imminent arrival of a Burlington Coat Factory store.

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Kmart shoppers share their feelings about a shopping institution closing after a 48-year run in Anderson, S.C.
Ken Ruinard/Independent Mail

Attempts to reach Burlington officials have not been successful. According to the store's website, the chain has not opened a new store since June 2015.

Diana James of Williamston says she has always been a big fan of Kmart ever since it opened on Main Street in 1969.(Photo: Ken Ruinard/Independent Mail)

The sign near Chili's invites workers to apply for positions at Burlingtonstores.jobs. That internet site lists Anderson among the locations, and directs visitors to a Jobs.com website, where applications can be made to Burlington and other stores.

Burlington, originally named Burlington Coat Factory, is a national retail chain offering designer clothing, shoes, accessories, baby products, and home furnishings. The chain began in Burlington, New Jersey, in 1924, and now operates 567 stores in 45 states.

The planned arrival of a Burlington store, which typically hires at least 50 workers, is a big plus for the city's economic profile, first-year economic development director Stephen Taylor said.

"Any time you can add an employer of national status, it's a huge win for the city," he said. "And in terms of economic development, it's a big win any time you can avoid having a big empty box."

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